And what about the UN? Peace and Security Perspectives for Ukraine

Datum: 13.12.2018

Uhrzeit:
18:15h - 19:45h

Einlass: 18:00h

Ort: Berlin

How can peace be reached? What can we expect from the Ukrainian presidential elections in spring 2019 and the parliamentary elections in autumn? Could a UN peacekeeping mission help to settle the conflict?

Five years have passed since the Euromaidan demonstrations started in Kyiv. After former President Yanukovych fled the country, Russia annexed Crimea and backed a violent separatist uprising in Eastern Ukraine. The internationally brokered Minsk agreements of 2014 and 2015 resulted in a ceasefire declaration and a political roadmap for resolving the conflict in the East. Nevertheless, violence continues, albeit at lower intensity. Until today, the conflict has claimed more than 10,000 lives, mostly civilian.

The recent maritime standoff in the Kerch Strait, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Asov, has further increased tensions. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed his deep concerns over the issue, urging both parties “to exercise maximum restraint” and “reduce tensions through all available peaceful means in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations”.

But how can peace be reached? What can we expect from the Ukrainian presidential elections in spring 2019 and the parliamentary elections in autumn? Could a UN peacekeeping mission help to settle the conflict?